Canadian Visitor Visa and re-entry from US?

[archaeoamy]

I'm a US citizen married to a Canadian and living temporarily in Canada on a visitor visa expiring 9/27/14 (we are only planning on being here a few years). On the bottom of the form it says, "not valid for re-entry" -- What exactly does this mean? Does this mean that if I go visit my family for Christmas (before the expiration date), that I will not be allowed to come back to Canada? Or does it mean it doesn't 'guarantee' re-entry? Or does it mean something else entirely? We are only planning on being here a few years, so it doesn't make sense to apply for PR, but I would like to visit my family once in a while...

If I indeed cannot visit family in the states AT ALL, before the expiration date, how does someone on a visitor visa leave and return? I thought that the temporary residence allows for leaving and returning as long as it is before the exp. date, but with the "not valid for re-entry" statement, I'm really confused. Am I wrong?

 

[uzafar88]

You have a single entry TRV that does not allow multiple entries.

Don't US citizens get a visit visa stamped on arrival in Canada? If that's the case, you can leave and then return on a new visit visa.

 

[archaeoamy]

And then I would have to reapply to stay longer, when I just did that in Sept. What a pain...is there some other type of temporary residence I should have applied for that would allow for multiple re-entries? We are trying to buy a house in Montana so I need to go back in March again to sign paperwork. Or do I just need to cross the border every few months? Seems kinda weird...

 

[uzafar88]

You can apply for a Multiple-Entry TRV.

 

[scylla]

There is nothing you can do to guarantee re-entry into Canada if you leave - regardless if you have a multiple entry visa or not. Whether you're allowed in and for how long is up to the immigration officer you encounter at the border. Part of the challenge is that you're "living temporarily" in Canada which you're technically not allowed to do (you're only allowed to visit). If you're now spending more time in Canada than outside of Canada, make sure you bring strong proof of ties to the US each time to re-enter in the event you run into problems. Immigration officers can get very unhappy if they think you're living in Canada rather than just visiting.

 

[archaeoamy]

I thought that's what I had applied for, but when the document came to me in the mail, it said otherwise. I'm not a student, nor am i working. I"m a stay-at-home mom married to a Canadian (who isn't eligible to sponsor me for PR) I can't even begin to explain my frustration -- I'm even homeschooling my 4 kids because they aren't allowed to attend school here -- To make matters more difficult they sent me my visa in my maiden name, which I haven't used in over 15 years, so I have to send in ANOTHER form to have that changed too. I've been through the entire CIC website and cannot find any information on how a visitor can get a multiple entry visa -- is that even possible without having a work or student visa?

 

[archaeoamy]

Well I am technically visiting, but for a few years rather than a few months. Husband is trying to pay off his obligations to an ex-wife, also Canadian, and this is the only place he can do that.

 

[scylla]

I've been through the entire CIC website and cannot find any information on how a visitor can get a multiple entry visa -- is that even possible without having a work or student visa?

When you apply for the TRV there are three options to select from: single entry, multiple entry or transit visa. You select multiple entry if you want a multiple entry visa. Otherwise the process is the same as single entry. See the "completing the application" section of the instruction guide:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5256ETOC.asp

 

[scylla]

Well I am technically visiting, but for a few years rather than a few months.

That's definitely living - not visiting - which puts you at risk at the border. Again, make sure you bring as much proof as you can that shows strong ties to the US when re-entering Canada. I would try to leave as little as possible - only if you have a critical reason for being out of the country. Immigration officers can refuse you entry at the border regardless of what kind of visa you're carrying. And while it doesn't happen often - we've definitely seen cases here where this has happened to Americans.

 

[archaeoamy]

So I filled out forms 5257 and 5208, both for temporary resident visas, but no option to choose multiple entry or single entry. 5256 was never an option given to me when I applied online and I cannot find it on their website to print out. Are they not using 5256 anymore? Can I call CIC to have that changed when I correct my name or will i have to go through the entire application process and pay the fees again? Thanks for all your help, this has been a very confusing process...

 

[PMM]

Hi

When you apply for the TRV there are three options to select from: single entry, multiple entry or transit visa. You select multiple entry if you want a multiple entry visa. Otherwise the process is the same as single entry. See the "completing the application" section of the instruction guide:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5256ETOC.asp

The OP is a US citizen, it would be pretty unusual for a USC to apply for a TRV.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

The OP is a US citizen, it would be pretty unusual for a USC to apply for a TRV.

I was under the impression that a visa-exempt citizen couldn't get a TRV, only a visitor record.

I"m a stay-at-home mom married to a Canadian (who isn't eligible to sponsor me for PR) I can't even begin to explain my frustration -- I'm even homeschooling my 4 kids because they aren't allowed to attend school here

A few questions. Why do you say your spouse isn't eligible to sponsor you? Are your kids his or are they his stepchildren?

 

[vermanaman]

So I filled out forms 5257 and 5208, both for temporary resident visas, but no option to choose multiple entry or single entry. 5256 was never an option given to me when I applied online and I cannot find it on their website to print out. Are they not using 5256 anymore? Can I call CIC to have that changed when I correct my name or will i have to go through the entire application process and pay the fees again? Thanks for all your help, this has been a very confusing process...

I dont understand...you are a US citizen - you dont need a TRV....I dont how they even approved your application....are you a dual citizen (of some other country that requires visa?)
As a US citizen, you dont even get a visa on arrival...they just scan and stamp your passport to let you in...ofcourse they check if you are actually a visitor ( or trying to live in canada)....
As long as you have ties to USA, you can travel freely, however, if at any point you are not able to prove your ties or are reported - Canada immigration will not let you enter canada.
Also, if you have children, why cant your spouse sponsor them and you?...if not isnt it better for them to study in the US (assuming they are US citizens) - just an advise.
Are your children entering the US once in 6 months - or are you filing an extension of stay in Canada everytime you stay more than 6 months?

 

[vermanaman]

As per my understanding you applied for an extension of your stay in Canada as a US citizen beyond 6 months..is that correct? This does not authorize re-entry i think. It only lets you continue staying beyond 6 months...
once you exit..this becomes invalid ..because then as US citizen you can again visit canada for Upto 6 months (if allowed by immigration canada)